A police officer on the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board was shot dead in a Jos market on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area, where security forces and task force officials have been attempting to clear street vendors over the past few weeks.
Eyewitness accounts from traders at the market provided differing details about the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Amina Mohammed, one of the traders, reported, “There was tension and confusion at Terminus Market and Ahmadu Bello Way near Zenith Bank in Jos North around 11:30 am on May 22, 2024 [today].
“Task force officials from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board and security agents were enforcing the state law banning street hawking. Resistance from some traders led to a Mobile Police Officer firing a shot, and a stray bullet hit his colleague. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the officer later died.”
Another trader, Haruna, attributed the officer’s death to the actions of local hoodlums, who have been resisting the enforcement efforts. “Hoodlums were hanging around this morning.
During an attempt by security agents to disperse traders displaying their goods on the roadside, we heard a gunshot. Tragically, the bullet struck one of the policemen, who died after being taken to the hospital,” Haruna explained.
Plateau State Police Command Spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. “We are aware of the incident at Terminus Market.
Currently, we are at the office of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board addressing the matter. An investigation has begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the event,” he said.
The police and local authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the officer’s death and to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
